New research suggests a correlation between repetitive heading in professional soccer and a heightened risk of cognitive impairment later in life. Commissioned by England's Football Association (FA) and the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), the University of Nottingham study examined over 450 retired professional soccer players aged 45 and older.

Participants were asked to estimate how often they headed the ball during a typical match and training session, categorized as 0-5, 6-15, and over 15 times. The findings indicated that those who reported heading the ball 6-15 times per match were 2.71 times more likely to score below the threshold on cognitive assessments compared to those who headed 0-5 times. Players who headed the ball over 15 times per match showed an even greater likelihood of diminished cognitive function.

Midfielder Remi Walter heads the ball during a match at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, on Jul 15, 2023 (TODAY Sports/file photo)

Initial findings from the study, released in June, revealed that former professional soccer players were 3.46 times more prone to neurodegenerative diseases. While the researchers acknowledged limitations in the study's methodology and the need for further investigation, these results add to the growing body of evidence linking repetitive head impacts in sports to long-term cognitive health.

This research comes amidst a class-action lawsuit involving former soccer and rugby players against their respective governing bodies, alleging a failure to protect them from concussion and sub-concussive injuries leading to various neurological disorders. The FA has initiated trials to eliminate deliberate heading in matches for players under 12 years old in an effort to mitigate potential health risks.

FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham emphasized the importance of this study in understanding the potential connection between neurodegenerative disorders and former professional footballers. He reiterated the FA's commitment to player safety and addressing potential risk factors associated with the sport.